Digital Media Arts at CSUDH is a hands-on, professionally-oriented B.A. Degree program geared for students who want marketable job skills for careers in the television, motion picture, music recording, interactive, and emerging digital media industries. Students major in one of the three DMA degree options: 1) Audio Recording Option; 2) Music Technology Option; or 3) Television Arts Option. In this program, students: a) track, mix, and master their own original music recordings in stereo and 5.1 surround sound in our two Recording Studios that are available to students on a 24/7 basis.; b) write, produce, direct, and edit their own music video, documentary, drama, public service announcement (PSA), TV commercial, and client-based video projects in our 10,000 square-foot Television Studio and twelve editing bays that are available to students on a 24/7 basis; and c) design and author their own interactive DVD, Blu-ray, and websites in our state-of-art computer lab facilities equipped with the latest software.

The mission of the Digital Media Arts Department is to: 1) provide an academic program that gives students a solid base in the theory and technology skills required for professional careers in the digital media industries; 2) provide hands-on experience in the basic software and hardware tools utilized in digital media production; 3) provide the opportunity for students to work in teams, applying their producing, directing, writing, composing, editing and engineering skills to produce a variety of professional-quality digital media products; and 4) develop interpersonal skills and professional demeanor that will enable students to work effectively and cooperatively as team players on collaborative projects in the industry.

The DMA curriculum emphasizes collaborative teamwork among the students in our three program options. For example, Television Arts students will write, produce, film, and edit a drama project that our Audio Recording students then take over to perform the sound design elements of ADR, foley, and sound effects editing, while our Music Technology students compose, arrange, and record original music scores for the film’s soundtrack. Conversely, our Audio Recording and Music Technology students record and produce a band’s song on CD or DVD-Audio, while the Television Arts students film and edit the music video for the song and the bonus material for the interactive DVD or Blu-ray such as interviews with the band and behind-the-scenes “making of” footage.

The Digital Media Arts curriculum is geared for students who want to have careers working as professionals in the digital media industry. These career goals include producer, director, sound engineer, writer, composer, editor, director of photography, camera operator, audio/video post production, sound designer, disc compressionist, MIDI composer/arranger, motion graphics and animation designer, webmaster, and freelance videographer. With Hollywood just 20 minutes from campus, our students have the opportunity to work for and serve internships at a variety of commercial TV stations, recording studios, motion picture studios, audio and video post production houses, and cable networks. There are also internship and employment opportunities for our students in noncommercial media venues such as educational media at schools and colleges and in-house media production at major corporations.

The Certificate in Television Arts (21 units) and the Certificate in Audio Technology (24 units) are designed for students already holding a Bachelor’s Degree whose primary objective is immediate training in the field of television production or audio recording. These certificate programs allow students to concentrate exclusively on just the training in their selected field of study.

Students receive hands-on instruction on the proper use of the equipment in these production facilities. Once students pass their Proficiency Exams, they can schedule access to these facilities on a 24/7 basis to work on class production projects outside of class time.

Graduation with Honors

Undergraduate students may be candidates for graduation with honors in Digital Media Arts if they meet the following criteria:

A minimum of 45 units in residence at CSU Dominguez Hills.

A minimum grade point average of 3.7 in all courses used to satisfy the requirements for the Digital Media Arts major.

A cumulative grade point average of 3.7 in all courses taken at CSU Dominguez Hills.

Academic Advisement

It is crucial that students meet with the appropriate advisor of their selected degree option before enrolling in or planning a course schedule in Digital Media Arts. (Television Arts, George Vinovich gvinovich@csudh.edu); (Audio Recording, Mark Waldrep 243-2255); (Music Technology, David Bradfield 243-3320). These advisors will also assist students in selecting an appropriate minor that will complement their degree option in Digital Media Arts.

Digital Media Arts courses are offered in a specific sequence which requires prerequisite and co-requisite courses. Meeting with the appropriate advisor will allow the student to complete the program in the most expedient and efficient manner possible. As such, students do not waste time and energy by completing unnecessary courses and units. Advisors also serve as career counselors and concerned mentors to help bridge the gap between the world of the university and the world of the working professional.

Preparation

Students entering the Digital Media Arts program who wish to focus on Audio Recording or Music Technology should have a demonstrated interest and/or background in music, composition, audio production, and current uses of personal computers in the field. Additionally, students familiar with the internet and other online information services will find these skills essential in the rapidly changing world of digital media production and delivery. Students interested in pursuing professional careers in the highly-competitive television and film industry should be aware that those who succeed in establishing a career in the industry are characteristically hard-working, disciplined, focused on a career, and most of all, resilient to persevere in the face of continuous rejection. Strong writing, interpersonal, and computer skills are a definite advantage in this field.

Recommended Lower Division Electives

ART 170. 2-D Composition (3)

COM 100. Mass Media and Society (3)

COM 206. Photojournalism (3)

COM 250. Writing for the Media (3)

MUS 110. Music Fundamentals (3)

MUS 111. Introduction to Music Theory (3)

Career Possibilities

Graduates from the Digital Media Arts program will find career opportunities in a wide range of existing entertainment, informational and educational venues. The broad focus of the instruction in this program prepares students for roles as media production specialists, audio engineers and producers, interactive designers, music technologists and MIDI-assisted composers. The emerging areas of the internet and DVD will create additional demand for graduates skilled in advanced media production techniques. The Television Arts program with its hands-on training and production project experience prepares graduates for a variety of career opportunities in the television and film industry such as producer, director, writer, camera operator, video editor, lighting director, sound technician, and electronic graphics and animation designer in a variety of venues such as commercial broadcasting at TV stations, networks, studios, and production houses; noncommercial television such as in-house corporate, government, educational, and institutional communications operations; public access and local origination cable television; and of course, free-lance production services as a video consultant.

Student Organizations

Audio Recording and Music Technology students can enhance their academic studies by joining the Audio Recording/Music Synthesis (ARMS) club on campus. TV students can enhance their academic studies and involvement in the television industry by joining the Mixed Media Group on campus or by becoming student members of professional organizations such as the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) and the International Communicators Association (ICA). Students in Audio Recording and Music Technology can also associate themselves with the local student chapter of the Audio Engineering Society (AES). Student membership in these professional associations allows students to network with industry executives and working professionals regarding internships and job opportunities in the field. The proximity of the campus to the center of the media and entertainment industry of Hollywood, Burbank, and Los Angeles allows students to attend major trade show conferences such as ShowBiz Expo, Post L.A., Musicom, DV Expo, SMPTE, and SIGGRAPH.

Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Arts

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree

See the "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

Elective Requirements

Completion of elective courses (beyond the requirements listed below) to reach a total of a minimum of 120 units.

General Education Requirements (55-62 units)

See the "General Education" requirements in the University Catalog or the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education requirements and course offerings.

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement

See the "Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement" in the University Catalog.

Major Requirements (51-61units)

Students must select one of the options listed. The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this degree.

Common Core Requirements (14 units):

DMA 300. Digital Technology and the Arts (3)

DMA 310. Tools And Techniques in Digital Media (3)

DMA 346. Digital Media Production Workshop (1, 1, 1)

DMA 400. Strategies for Digital Media Delivery (3)

DMA 499. Senior Project in Digital Media (2)

Audio Recording Option (57 units)

A. Common Core Requirements (14 units)

B. Upper Division Required Courses (31 units):

DMA 330. Audio Recording (3)

DMA 331. Audio Recording Lab (1)

DMA 335. Music Synthesis (3)

DMA 336. Music Synthesis Lab (1)

DMA 430. Advanced Audio Recording (3)

DMA 431. Advanced Audio Recording Lab (1)

DMA 432. Recording Studio Maintenance (2)

DMA 433. Recording Studio Maintenance Lab (1)

DMA 435. Advanced Music Synthesis (3)

DMA 436. Advanced Music Synthesis Lab (1)

DMA 438. Music Production (3)

DMA 439. Music Production Lab (1)

DMA 447. Audio Projects Lab (1)

DMA 452. Audio Production (3)

DMA 456. Mixing and Mastering (3)

DMA 496. Off-Campus Internship in the Media (1)

C. Complementary Track Courses (12 units)

ART Digital Graphics Track

ART 335. Interactive Media (3)

ART 345. Digital Graphics I (3)

ART 346. Digital Graphics II (3)

ART 348. Digital Photography (3)

OR

Music Course Track

MUS 110. Music Fundamentals (3)

MUS XXX. Upper Division Elective (3)

MUS XXX. Upper Division Elective (3)

MUS XXX. Upper Division Elective (3)

D. Audio Recording Proficiency Exam (Board Test)

A one-on-one, hands-on exam that requires students to demonstrate a practical working knowledge of standard studio procedures and techniques as well as operational familiarity with the equipment in a multi-track recording facility. Students must pass this exam in order to book recording sessions in the campus recording studios outside of class time. Students can fulfill this requirement by earning a passing grade in the DMA 447 Audio Projects Lab (1) course.

Music Technology Option (61 units)

A. Common Core Requirements (14 units)

B. Lower Division Required Courses (14 units)

MUS 109. Introduction to Musicianship (1) (1)

MUS 110. Music Fundamentals (3)

MUS 111. Introduction to Music Theory (3)

MUS 210. Music Theory I (3)

MUS 211. Music Theory II (3)

C. Upper Division Required Courses (33 units):

DMA 330. Audio Recording (3)

DMA 331. Audio Recording Lab (1)

DMA 335. Music Synthesis (3)

DMA 336. Music Synthesis Lab (1)

DMA 430. Advanced Audio Recording (3)

DMA 431. Advanced Audio Recording Lab (1)

DMA 435. Advanced Music Synthesis (3)

DMA 436. Advanced Music Synthesis Lab (1)

DMA 438. Music Production (3)

DMA 439. Music Production Lab (1)

MUS 309. Advanced Musicianship (1) (1)

MUS 416. Composition and Arranging: Popular and Jazz (3)

MUS xxx. Upper Division Ensemble (1) (1)

MUS xxx. Upper Division Electives (3) (3)

E. Additional Requirements

To be admitted to the Music Technology Option students must demonstrate a basic understanding of music notation and fundamental music theory. Students must complete MUS 111 Introduction to Music Theory. This requirement may be satisfied by an equivalent course in community college. This requirement may also be met through Credit by Examination at CSUDH.

MUS 309 Prerequisites: Musicianship Placement Exam and consent of the instructor. The Music Department gives this placement exam at the beginning of each semester. Transfer students are encouraged to take ear-training courses in community college. Students who do not pass into MUS 309 will be placed in preparatory courses such as MUS 109 or MUS 209 based upon their score on the Musicianship Placement Exam.

Mackie Board Test: In order to book private, independent time on the Mackie Digital Audio Station, students must pass the Mackie Board Test, a timed, practical exam designed to protect the equipment. In order to complete lab projects, students must pass this exam to book studio time after hours and on weekends. This will impact students in all lab classes, DMA 326, and DMA 450. The exam is built into the grading component of these courses.

F. Synthesizer Proficiency Exam

Requires the student to demonstrate a knowledge of contemporary analog and digital synthesis terms and techniques and to produce a specified sonic design on a studio synthesizer.

Television Arts Option (51 units)

A. Common Core Requirements (14 units)

B. Upper Division Required Courses (37 units):

DMA 320. TV Directing I (3)

DMA 322. TV Directing II (3)

DMA 323. TV Crew Production (3) (3)

DMA 324. TV Titling and Animation (3)

DMA 325. EFP Videography (3)

DMA 326. TV Sound Design (3)

DMA 327. Independent TV Production (3)

DMA 496. Off-Campus Internship in the Media (1)

ART 335. Interactive Media (3)

ART 345. Digital Graphics I (3)

ART 346. Digital Graphics II (3)

ART 348. Digital Photography (3)

C. EFP Proficiency Exam

Requires the student to pass a hands-on, practical exam on the setup, calibration, operation, troubleshooting, and storage of the electronic field production camera system, lighting kit, and Sachtler support system used for location shooting. Students must pass this exam before checking out equipment for off-campus use on production projects.

D. Edit Room Proficiency Exam

Requires each student to pass a hands-on, practical exam on the operation, calibration, and troubleshooting of the Avid Nonlinear editing system. Students must pass this exam before booking independent editing time outside of class hours.

Certificate in Audio Technology (24 units)

A.Required Courses:

DMA 330. Audio Recording (3)

DMA 331. Audio Recording Lab (1)

DMA 335. Music Synthesis (3)

DMA 336. Music Synthesis Lab (1)

DMA 430. Advanced Audio Recording (3)

DMA 431. Advanced Audio Recording Lab (1)

DMA 432. Recording Studio Maintenance (2)

DMA 433. Recording Studio Maintenance Lab (1)

PHY 331. Audio Electronics (3)

PHY 335. Digital Electronics (3)

PHY 337. Microprocessors (3)

B. Synthesizer Proficiency Exam

Requires the student to demonstrate a knowledge of contemporary analog and digital synthesis terms and techniques and to produce a specified sonic design on a studio synthesizer.

C. Audio Recording Proficiency Exam

Requires the student to demonstrate a practical working knowledge of standard studio procedures and techniques as well as operational familiarity with the equipment found in a multi-track recording facility.

Certificate in Television Arts (21 units)

A. Required Courses:

DMA 320. TV Directing I (3)

DMA 322. TV Directing II (3)

DMA 323. TV Crew Production (3) (3)

DMA 324. TV Titling and Animation (3)

DMA 325. EFP Videography (3)

DMA 327. Independent TV Production (3)

B. EFP Proficiency Exam

Requires the student to pass a hands-on, practical exam on the setup, calibration, operation, troubleshooting, and storage of the electronic field production camera system, lighting kit, and Sachtler support system used for location shooting. Students must pass this exam before checking out equipment for off-campus use on production projects.

C. Edit Room Proficiency Exam

Requires each student to pass a hands-on, practical exam on the operation, calibration, and troubleshooting of the Avid Nonlinear editing system. Students must pass this exam before booking independent editing time outside of class hours.

Course Offerings

The credit value for each course in semester units is indicated for each term by a number in parentheses following the title. For course availability, please see the list of tentative course offerings in the current Class Schedule.

Upper Division

DMA 300 Digital Technology, Culture and the Arts (3).

Prerequisite: HUM 200 or consent of instructor.

Survey of the impact of digital technology on culture and the arts including but not limited to the visual arts, music, dance, video, film, literature, and theatre.

DMA 310 Tools and Techniques in Digital Media Production (3).

Introduction and examination of the fundamental software and hardware tools used in the production of media for digital delivery. Emphasis on creative production techniques and the development of skills required in the digital media industry.

DMA 320 TV Directing I (3).

Co-requisite: Concurrent enrollment in DMA 323.

Fundamental techniques in producing and directing multi-camera television productions in the studio, and single-camera, film-style programs on location. Emphasis on producer/director skills for performance-based productions in the studio and on location. Six hours of activity per week.

DMA 322 TV Directing II (3).

Prerequisite: DMA 320 and concurrent enrollment in DMA 323.

Advanced techniques in producing and directing multi-camera television productions and single-camera, film-style programs in the studio and on location. Emphasis on producer/director skills for drama-based productions. Six hours of activity per week.

DMA 323 TV Crew Production (3).

Co-requisite: Concurrent enrollment in DMA 320 or DMA 322.

Participation in a variety of crew assignments on production projects in the studio and on location. Repeatable for credit. Six hours of activity per week.

DMA 324 TV Titling and Animation (3).

Introduction to computer-generated titles and basic, two-dimensional animation for television production. Students will explore the aesthetics of graphic design elements for the screen and related software programs. Six hours of activity per week.

DMA 325 EFP Videography (3).

Application of professional-format videotape recording techniques used in location shooting. Emphasis on using portable lighting systems, reflectors, and location sound recording techniques. Experience in technical aspects of equipment setup, system trouble shooting, and preventative maintenance. Six hours of activity per week.

DMA 326 TV Sound Design (3).

Use of synthesizers, samplers, and MIDI for music scoring, sound effects drop-ins, ADR, and foley in television and stage productions. Six hours of activity per week.

DMA 327 Independent TV Production (3).

Prerequisite: DMA 322 and DMA 323.

Aspects of producing television features on an independent-producer basis. Practice in pre-production coordination, location shooting, directing, and editing techniques in the production of a broadcast-quality feature segment for public airing on the University cable TV channel. Repeatable for credit. Six hours of activity per week.

Hands-on experience in studio recording using Pro Tools HD. Live mix to stereo techniques and fundamentals of studio flow path. Three hours of laboratory per week.

DMA 335 Music Synthesis (3).

Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor.

Production techniques, equipment, theory, and history of electro-acoustic music with an emphasis on MIDI. Psychoacoustics and a conceptual approach to electronic music production using a variety of MIDI-based software.

DMA 336 Music Synthesis Lab (1).

Prerequisite: Previous or concurrent enrollment in DMA 335.

Hands-on experience in production using hardware and software synthesizers and MIDI in conjunction with Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Reason, and various sequencers for a variety of musical styles. Three hours of laboratory per week.

DMA 346 Digital Media Production Workshop (1).

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Collaborative production activity on various projects in the digital media arts curriculum. Repeatable for credit for up to three units. Two hours of activity per week.

DMA 400 Strategies for Digital Media Delivery (3).

Prerequisite: DMA 310.

Advanced exploration into the methods and mechanics of informational and entertainment design and delivery. Evaluation of media production strategies including linear and non-linear scripting, conditional branching, and virtual reality via online, optical disc, and hybrid formats.

Prerequisite: Previous or concurrent enrollment in DMA 430 and consent of instructor.

Practical multi-track session work featuring increased access to studio facilities for individual and group recording projects using Pro Tools HD in conjunction with analog console and Digidesign Command 8 control surface. Three hours of laboratory per week.

Installation, maintenance, trouble shooting, and repair of professional audio equipment in a studio environment. Repeatable course. Three hours of laboratory per week.

DMA 435 Advanced Music Synthesis (3).

Prerequisite: DMA 335 and consent of instructor.

A continuation of DMA 335. Synthesizer and sampler sound design using a variety of synthesis strategies and concepts. Direct software and hardware sound synthesis theory using software synthesizers such as Tassman and Reason, modular synthesizers and MIDI.

DMA 436 Advanced Music Synthesis Lab (1).

Prerequisite: Previous or concurrent enrollment in DMA 435 and consent of instructor.

Experience in programming a variety of digital synthesizers including Tassman, Reason, FN-7, and Motu software synthesizers. Three hours of laboratory per week.

DMA 438 Music Production (3).

Prerequisite: DMA 430 and consent of instructor.

Analysis of recordings in music production. Spatial and timbral ear-training techniques for recording engineers and producers. Access to Pro Tools HD 5.1 surround system and a variety of engineering and production topics which include surround mixing techniques, advanced microphone techniques, DVD Audio specifications, and DVD authoring.

DMA 439 Music Production Lab (1).

Prerequisite: Previous or concurrent enrollment in DMA 438 and consent of instructor.

Practice in the production of studio recordings. Responsibility for music composition and arrangements, rehearsal, performance, studio and musician bookings, artist promotion, engineering assistance and artistic direction and management. Interdisciplinary projects involving video or theatre are also possible. Repeatable course. Three hours of laboratory per week.

Advanced studies in computer applications in music. Course concentrates on CSOUND and new technologies. Topics will vary with new innovations in the field. Students will have access to Pro Tools LE workstations for individual projects. A-C/NC grading.

DMA 452 Audio Production (3).

Prerequisite: DMA 430 and DMA 431.

Advanced skills in integrating audio production components of voice over, music, and sound effects with graphics, motion graphics, and video on multi-media projects that include proposal, interactive design, audio recording, music mixing, mastering, and encoding and authoring to optical disc.

DMA 456 Mixing and Mastering (3).

Theory and practice in various styles of mixing and mastering popular music. Application of panning, equalization, dynamics processing, spatial effects, modulation effects, automation, song sequencing, and methods for final delivery. Hardware-based instruction, ITB digital methods, and hybrid workflows.

DMA 490 Senior Seminar (1).

Prerequisite: DMA 331 and DMA 431.

Research projects, chosen in consultation with the instructor, culminating in a paper, presentation, or creative project.

DMA 494 Independent Study (1-3).

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Investigation of a single topic, chosen in consultation with a faculty member, culminating in a paper, presentation, or creative project. Repeatable for credit for up to six units.

DMA 495 Special Topics in the Digital Media Arts (3).

Study of a single topic or contemporary issue in the entertainment industry of television, film, music, or digital media to be determined by the instructor. Repeatable for credit.

DMA 496Off Campus Internship in the Media (1).

Directed work experience in the television, film, music, or digital media industry under the supervision of a professionally-qualified mentor. CR/NC grading only. Repeatable for credit. Ten hours of work experience per week.

DMA 499 Senior Project in Digital Media (2).

Prerequisite: Senior standing or consent of instructor.

A capstone course culminating in the production of a final, collaborative project in conjunction with students from other program options in Digital Media Arts. Selected in consultation with and evaluated by a faculty panel.